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Susan Wirgler

Wirgler's Horse/Human Partnership

Not all lessons are the same…….

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Thank you so much for the lesson today!  I feel like I learned more in that small amount of time than I had at the other place in several months.  Really, very much appreciated your time and expertise.  Thank you again so much.  I had become disheartened about my horseback riding, and now I’m enthused again!
***Karen***

 

THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF IMPROVING YOUR HORSEMANSHIP SKILLS, HELPING DURING FIRE SEASON

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Dear Susan,
I just want to thank you for being the amazing trainer that you are.  Not only do I have sweet, sweet (but sometimes naughty) horses and good, solid relationships with each of them, but I also have a core confidence in myself and my relationships with horses that has served me very well.
As you may know, I volunteer with large animal evacuation during wildfires in a community which has had more than our share.  The training I have received from you, both in handling my horses and in understanding why horses act as they do has been of enormous help to me.  I have trailered reluctant horses, walked anxious mules and lead horses that were had been noted as “difficult” peacefully into their stalls.  I was able to safely work with horses that were frightened, nervous and unruly because you have taught me how to read them and manage their energy.
 I walked a high energy thoroughbred, a jumpy mule and a very anxious herd mate with two other people.  Between the three of us, we were able to calm and relax them by moving their feet and disengaging their hinds. I also  a small exercise session on a lead line with a stallion and schooled him firmly and honestly when he offered to bite me.  I was able to be safe and keep others safe and to gain his respect and trust. He wilingly worked with me while his stall was being cleaned.  He then calmly and respectfully went back in, although he was not thrilled, when I asked it of him.
When I returned, I was asked to work with a very nervous mare who had pacing and hurting herself to the point where she was heavily sedated the night before. She was uncomfortable in a boxstall, having been used to being outdoors. I walked her a bit and she calmed and was responsive.  I rinsed the fear sweat and filth off of her.  I calmly and gently worked with her until she allowed me to wipe her face (a little at a time with lots of breaks and kindness) as well.  When the vet came, he remarked that she was much better off than she had been the night before.  The owner told me that she was “afraid of her own shadow” and was very head shy.  I was happy that I was able to work through both of those issues and help the horse have a much better day.
The added bonus?  When I got home and finally got back out on my horse for a little ride, I had the best ride ever!  I know my confidence was much better and my mind was much clearer and ready to cue him correctly.  We had wonderful transitions into the gait, which we sustained and then into the lope.  I think it was my best ride ever!!
Thank you for helping me on my journey to horsemanship.  I am so very grateful for the ways you have helped me work not only with my own horses but also with other horses – even unsure, unhappy and anxious horses – by understanding myself, the principles of horsemanship and horse behavior.
Susan, with what I have begun to learn from you, I have better knoweledge and confidence and that has allowed me to make a real difference with the horses that I have encountered.
WIth confidence,
Lisa
lisa 08_o

Comments from Obstacles Workshop at Running I Ranch!

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Gale Rotenberg Wow, those are great pictures. It was such a fun day and we all certainly learned a lot!! Thank you Susan……

Melanie Lavallee Great pics. So much fun!!! Learned a ton about my horse’s abilities. He just keeps getting better and better. I LOVE  Rango!!

Cherie Vagadori Norton 6:13pm Jul 19
So proud of our curly Missouri Foxtrotters today! Susan’s desensitization clinic is AMAZING! I highly recommend it!unning I Ranch in Dunnigan. There are TONS of natural and man made obstacles (fire, noise, water, animal pelts/dead animals, things that move, tunnels, bridges and other obstacles) to assist with desensitization. We went as part of Susan Susan Kilinski-Wirgler‘s clinic. It’s really helpful to have an instructor with you to help you through sticky situations, and the owners, Dave and Cindy are great, too. The horses (and riders) made SO much progress! We’re going back with our other 3 horses.
 dun1nder dunfender
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Petie and the Zanders…..

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We went to trailer Petie home today and Katherine got to ride him for the first time. Susan Kilinski-Wirgler did an amazing job with him in the last 30 days and I got to try my hand at long lining him, possibly in preparation for driving. So fun to imagine cruising around my neighborhood driving a little mini cart! And best of all, Pumpkin was very happy to have her buddy home again.!

heather test Heathertesti_n

Debbie Zeier and Millie

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“We did it!! So proudmarch_760 of our accomplishments thanks to you!”—– i Love that you will always help (bail me out ) in the trouble spots!

Tommy and Susan

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Thomas

Timing and Feel Workshop 3/2015

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Gale Rotenberg Thank you so much for today, Susan Kilinski-Wirgler! I have come home feeling so great about the clinic today. I feel like I actually “got” it – the idea of timing and feel, and understanding when and how to make corrections. I know we have been talking about a lot of these skills, and today I got even more of an idea of how to refine and work with my horse. Steve was really impressed with her improvement and response. He said she responded like a “puppet on a string”!! I love that horse, and we have come such a long way. I am so jazzed about today, I feel like I am walking on clouds!!

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Facebook Entry Jan. 2015

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Michael Canfield
January 28 at 8:31am
As awlasys, we took home many “ah-ha” momenets and saw some great refinements in ourselves and our horses! These sessions are so helpful and fun! Can’t wait for our next session! Lots to practice between now and then! THANK YOU SUSAN!
Michael Canfield
January 28 at 8:38am
Our group had a clinic with the always awesome Susan Susan Kilinski-Wirgler who helped us get MORE from our horses with LESS. Refinment, body control, and balance were our focus points. So many great “take-a-ways” and skills to work on between the session! Just one more step upong the trail to better horsemanship!

Facebook Entry Feb.2017

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Gale Rotenberg
February 17 at 5:51pm
I highly recommend Susan Kilinski-Wirgler. She is skilled with all kinds of horses and riders. I was a complete novice and bought a horse that was too much for me. Susan has helped me so much. Every time I go to her place, I learn something new. And my horse is a completely different girl than the one that I went to Susan with. People who knew her from before ask me if I got a different horse!! Susan is located in Shingle Springs, which is near Placerville in northern California